Our Bachelor of Education course is designed to help you become a skilled and creative teacher. In Years One and Two, students cover the basics needed for teaching. You will come to understand how children think and learn in active ways. Your curriculum courses will prepare you to teach all the subjects of the primary curriculum using approaches that develop children’s understanding and motivation. You’ll also take modules in Psychology, Philosophy Sociology of Education and History of Education. In Year Three, you will review what you’ve learned to date and will apply it in different situations. Your understanding of classroom contexts and of how to plan for rich learning experiences will be enriched. You’ll learn how to work with children in ways that are democratic and enable them to engage in an ethical way with the world. Year Four focuses on deepening your expertise. It will provide you with opportunities to think about big ideas in education such as social justice, inclusion and working in a school community. You will also undertake a research project. Students spend time in schools in each year, with extended placements in each of Years Three and Four. You will start by observing the class teacher and will build up gradually to teaching all day. Throughout your placements, support will be provided by both faculty and school staff. The BEd also enables you to specialise in key areas of learning. In Year One you’ll select a maximum of three from English, Gaeilge, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, and Religious Studies. You can continue with one of these as a Major Specialism in Years Two to Four. Alternatively, you may decide to opt for Early Childhood Education, Digital Learning, Science Education, Human Development, Physical Education, Literacy Education, Geo Learning, or Special and Inclusive Education. (The number of places on some specialisms is restricted and options are subject to change).

A minimum of six Leaving Certificate subjects at Grade 06/H7, to include the subjects English OR Irish AND the subject Mathematics. In addition, applicants must present at least two subjects at grade H5. Exception: Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) (DC002, DC003 and DC004) A minimum of six Leaving Certificate subjects at Grade 06/H7, to include a H4 in Irish, 04/H7 in English and 04/H7 in Mathematics. Applicanst must present at least three subjects at grade H5.